The Management and Support Staff of Nelson's Funeral Home announce the death of Mr. Wardell Willingham, 89, of Winnsboro, South Carolina. 

Mr. Willingham departed his earthly life Thursday, January 18, 2018, at Pruitt Health of Ridgeway. 

Funeral services for Mr. Willingham will be held Wednesday, January 24, 2018, 12:00 noon at Nelson's Funeral Home, 270 N. Dogwood Ave, Ridgeway, SC.  Interment will follow in the St. John Baptist Church Cemetery, Anderson Quarry, Winnsboro, SC.  Public viewing will be Tuesday, January 23, 2018 from 2:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. 

Mr. Wardell Willingham, son of the late Robert and Francis Johnson Willingham was born July 5, 1928 in Winnsboro, SC.   He departed this earthly life on Thursday, January 18, 2018 at PruittHealth in Ridgeway, SC.

Wardell attended the Public Schools of Fairfield County.   At an early age, he was baptized at St. Luke Baptist Church.   After high school, he relocated to Detroit, MI where he spent the majority of his adult life.   He was a long-time employee of General Motors while in Detroit.   After returning to South Carolina, he was a loyal employee of Winnsboro Builders until an injury forced his early retirement. 

He enjoyed gardening, baseball, fishing, and watching cowboy movies.  Another favorite pastime was making wine.

He leaves to cherish warm and fond memories three daughters, Esther Goodwin of Winnsboro, SC, Izetta (Larry) Slade of Alcoa, TN and Monique Willingham of Columbus, GA; three sisters, Lodesta Parnell, Izetta Gripper, and Emma Mae Coleman; two brothers, Albert “AC” Willingham and James Banks; thirteen grandchildren; twenty-two great-grandchildren; and a host of nieces, nephews, and other loving relatives and friends.

Wardell was preceded in death by his wife, Gladys Willingham; two sons, Michael Willingham and Wardell Willingham, Jr.; ten brothers, Celess, Robert, Zachariah, Kitch, George, Moses, Maxie, Abraham and Jacob; three sisters, Hadiyah (Ella Lou Watts), Essie Lee and Willie Mae; one grandson, DeShawn Willingham.

 Service Information